August 6, 2026

Psychologist urges Jamaicans not to ignore warning signs for suicide

Written byMarkelia Rumble

Psychologist Dr. Leahcim Semaj is urging Jamaicans not to ignore warning signs for suicide.

His comments follow reports of at least 3 suspected suicides this week.

The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old labourer Brian Reid of West Cumberland, Portmore in St. Catherine; 33-year-old Remardo Thompson, otherwise called “Ray-Ray” of Rose Street, Whitehall, Negril in Westmoreland and 33-year-old Christopher Sinclair of Santa Hill in Spalding, Clarendon.

Dr. Semaj said men generally exhibit lower health seeking behaviours than women and often carry their pressures in silence.

He is encouraging men experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress to reach out to someone they trust and seek professional help before they reach a crisis point.